It's true - I'm addicted. Since gaining internet access
and a love for the outdoors' I've been addicted to online weather reports.
Some times I check it so often it almost looks like I'm stalking mother
nature. [pause for weather check] It used to be that winters are spent
looking for the next big storm while summer months have me wishing for
nothing but the sun. Funny how things change.

Now, since mother nature fired up the BC barbeque, many
people are paying close attention to the weather. The fires that rage
are a sight to behold and the exhausting news coverage does little to
quell our fears.

With several hours of CBC coverage flooding my brain
I desperately needed a break so I turned to my trusty steed and went for
a bike ride. However, instead of calming my fears, this ride had me convinced
it not only could happen here, but it's just a matter of time. I was riding
in Valleycliffe, an area famous for mud puddles with character. These
are puddles that have been around so long that you can probably see where
"what's his name?" did a face plant back in 98. Well, that same
trail that was always too muddy is now a desert region dust bowl with
deep powder chutes. Then there's the leaves which have started to fall
early this year. However, instead of vibrant red's and yellow's, they're
either bright green or crispy brown. The blanket of deadfall is so thick
that it actually sounds like you're biking on rice crispies. In fact,
it was so creepy that we called our ride short because I didn't want to
be the jackass who burns it down. You see, it's not uncommon for a peddle
or bike to hit a rock causing a spark. It happens all the time. Add that
to a floor of fire starter and you have a recipe for disaster.

So as we watch the province burn that raises an interesting
question. Who is to say our trails are closed? Would anyone even listen?

Trails closures have always been an aloof beast. Many
times over the winter select trails have been closed yet you could bet
dollars to donuts there would be fresh tracks made on any given day.

Even if "they" said don't go in the trails,
you can't enforce it. And the general public, not to mention tourists,
are not exactly known for their amazing powers of observation. Heck, there
are still people throwing lit cigarettes out of windows and climbing fences
to get around trail closure signs. I'm afraid after all is said and done,
we have to rely on people to exercise their common sense, and that's more
terrifying than any 90 foot wall of flame. [pause for weather check]

Oh look, more sun and possible record breaking
temperatures are headed our way. Ok kids, let's use our heads, and please,
stay out of the woods, unless you're comfortable
being known as the (insert horribly rude slur here) that burned our paradise
to the ground.